Understanding how chikungunya virus affects the nervous system in mice
Official title: Modeling chikungunya virus neuroinvasion and neuropathogenesis in mice
Funded at Texas Biomedical Research Institute · NIH-10790337 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how the chikungunya virus can affect the nervous system and cause problems like encephalitis and meningitis, using mice to help understand why some people have lasting issues after getting sick, with the hope of finding better treatments for those affected.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Texas Biomedical Research Institute NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (San Antonio, United States) |
| Project start | September 15, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $544,500 |
| NIH project number | 1R21NS135258-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10790337 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who have experienced neurological symptoms following chikungunya virus infection.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who have not been infected with chikungunya virus or do not exhibit neurological symptoms may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how the chikungunya virus (CHIKV) can invade the nervous system and cause neurological diseases such as encephalitis and meningitis. Using mouse models that better represent human immune responses, the study aims to uncover the mechanisms behind the long-term neurological deficits experienced by some patients after CHIKV infection. The researchers will analyze the immune response and its role in the disease process, providing insights that could lead to better treatments for affected individuals.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved understanding and treatment options for patients suffering from neurological complications due to chikungunya virus.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research on other alphaviruses has shown success in understanding their neurological impacts, suggesting that this approach may yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Texas Biomedical Research Institute
San Antonio, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Baxter, Victoria K — Texas Biomedical Research Institute
- Study coordinator: Baxter, Victoria K
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.